Operational Outlook

A high-profile audit proposed by the president in June 2018 into the alleged misuse of public resources has stalled and is probably politically motivated to discredit Deputy President William Ruto. Separate investigations and prosecutions are under way and target the agriculture, energy, and water sectors. Enhancements to procurement regulations, including greater transparency, are likely to gradually reduce opportunities for bribery during competitive tender processes in 2019. Separately, the government will probably approve new laws before early 2019 that constrain public-sector strike action triggered by likely budget cuts.

Last update: December 28, 2018

Terrorism

High

Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab has the intent and occasional capability to attack government and foreign assets and personnel in the capital Nairobi that are associated with political and military activity in neighbouring Somalia. This was demonstrated on 16 January 2019, when six Al-Shabaab militants, mostly of Kenyan origin, conducted a suicide improvise explosive device and small-arms assault on the Riverside Road hotel and office complex. Al-Shabaab attacks are most frequent in the northeastern Mandera county, and Wajir and Garissa along the Somalia border, involving small-arms and IEDs targeting police, military, and public transport. Jihadist sympathisers and facilitators are also present in Isiolo, Kilifi, and Lamu counties.

Last update: January 22, 2019

War Risks

Kenya and Somalia are engaged in arbitration through the International Court of Justice to adjudicate the delimitation of their disputed maritime boundary, with Kenya most recently responding to the case in December 2018. Comparable cases have taken at least six years to resolve. Military retaliation in the event of an unfavourable decision is highly unlikely. Separately, Ethiopia has since May 2018 engaged in mediation with the anti-government Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), indicating that OLF border incursions into Kenya will probably be more limited during 2019. Kenya and Uganda are also engaged in a territorial dispute and both sides are likely to seek international arbitration.

Last update: January 4, 2019

Social Stability

High

An agreement in March 2018 reached between President Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga largely removed triggers for renewed opposition protests. However, both Odinga and Kenyatta have publicly-backed holding a constitutional referendum, which will probably occur in mid-to-late 2019 earliest. Rallies supporting this are likely in the counties around Lake Nyanza and in Nairobi's informal settlements of Kibera, Kawangware, and Mathare. If there are disputes around the referendum or next general election in 2022, protest hotspots are likely to include Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Trans-Nzoia, and Vihiga counties.

Last update: January 3, 2019

Health Risk

Severe

Vaccinations required to enter the country

Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (YFV) transmission and over one year of age.

Routine Vaccinations

Hepatitis A: A vaccine is available for anyone over one year of age. The vaccine may not be effective for certain people, e.g. those born before 1945 and who lived as a child in a developing country and/or have a past history of jaundice (icterus). These people can instead get a shot of immune globulin (IG) to boost their immunity against the disease.

Hepatitis B: A vaccine is available for children at least two months old.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio: A booster shot should be administered if necessary (once every ten years).

Other Vaccinations

Typhoid Fever: If your travels take you to regions with poor sanitary conditions (for children two years old and up).

Rabies: For prolonged stays in an isolated region (for children from when they can walk).

Meningococcal Meningitis: For prolonged stays, or in case your travels will put you in close contact with a local population affected by an epidemic of the disease (for children over the age of two years).

Measles: Kenya is regularly afflicted by measles epidemics. Ask your doctor if you are due for a booster shot.

For Children: All standard childhood immunizations should be up-to-date. In the case of a long stay, the BCG vaccine is recommended for children over one month and the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine for children over nine months.

Last update: June 1, 2016

Natural Risks

Very high

Flooding and drought
are the most common environmental risks. Kenya has two rainy seasons, the first
taking place from April to June and the second from October to November. During
these periods, large-scale flooding is likely, even in Nairobi, leading to
severe disruptions of ground transportation and potential landslides in
mountainous regions.

Kenya is currently
suffering from two below-average rainy seasons, resulting in food shortages and
the death of livestock in the region. The ongoing drought is considered one of
the worst in the last five years. According to local officials, residents of
more than 42 counties are prone to risk of famine. At least 1.3 million Kenyans
are at a critical level of food insecurity. Marsabit county (north of the
country) is one of the most affected counties; according to the local governor,
more than 60 percent of cattle have been lost, residents are facing serious
food and water shortages, and the majority of schools are currently closed.

Kenya is located in an
active seismic zone; tremors are often felt in the country.

Last update: February 13, 2018

Transportation

High

Whenever possible, it
is safest to travel by air when undertaking long-distance trips within the
country. When traveling to coastal resorts, it is recommended to use a company
serving Malindi Airport (north of Mombasa) or Ukunda Airport (south of Mombasa).
In Nairobi, these companies operate from Wilson Airport.

Although most roads are
useable, the country suffers from poor road infrastructure. Additionally, the aggressive
driving habits of locals make traveling by road hazardous. This is exacerbated by
poor vehicle maintenance and a lack of health care facilities. Finally, due to
the lack of public lighting, all night travel should be avoided.

In cities, road travel
should be by chauffeured car or by a licensed taxi booked by the hotel. Always
travel with doors locked and windows rolled up.

For inter-city travel,
it is recommended to ensure the vehicle is well-maintained and stocked with
adequate supplies of water, food, and fuel. It is also advised to ensure that
the vehicle contains spare parts (wheels, cables, etc.) and has effective means
of telecommunication. In general, and when possible, it is strongly advised to
only travel during the daytime.

Minibus (matatus)
travel should be avoided due to their poor maintenance, the erratic driving
habits of most chauffeurs, and their frequent targeting by highway bandits.

Last update: February 13, 2018

Infrastructure

Power outages are
common; most houses are equipped with a generator.

Construction accidents
are frequent. Buildings often collapse due to low-quality concrete, an inadequate
foundation, and poor-quality building materials.

Last update: February 13, 2018

Practical Information

Climate

Kenya experiences four seasons each year: two dry seasons (December to March; July to October) and two rainy seasons (April to June; November).

Along the coast, the climate is tropical, hot, and humid. The area is windy throughout the year and winds can become violent between April and September. The highlands region is hot and sunny with low levels of humidity. Conditions around Lake Victoria are, on the other hand, very wet. In the desert areas of the northeast, temperatures are very high with rain falling in April and May. Sunset is between 6:00 and 7:00 pm.

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